0 Alexander, David Ryan 2003 Lesbian News 28 16 0739-1803 9876514 New Mexico governor Bill Richardson signed into law both a hate crimes bill and a civil rights bill, dramatically expanding the rights of gays and lesbians in the state. According to the Human Rights Campaign, this bill makes New Mexico the third state to pass a law that protects against discrimination based on gender identity and the 14th state to pass a law protecting from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Two times in the past, the hate crimes bill had made its way to the governor's desk, but both times the previous governor, Republican Gary Johnson, vetoed it. Opponents of the hate crimes legislation, like Republican Daniel Foley have argued that the bill provides special rights to certain groups and goes against the First Amendment. Vol. 28 Issue 10, p16 1/2p